Morgan's 50 gallon mixed reef

morgank · Nov 8, 2013

Hi all, this is my first saltwater build! I am looking to have a mixed reef/fish tank. I have been doing freshwater for years.

It's a 50 gallon, with a Reef Octopus 1000 HOB skimmer, live rock/sand, and Hydor Koralia 1050/1150 (another is coming today).

I've been cycling for 3 weeks, ammonia and nitrite are at zero, nitrate is at about 20 ppm.

I'm seeing some brown here and there, which I assume is diatoms:

Are those stringy things in pic 3 diatoms?
Am I ready for a cleanup crew?

This seems to be going smoothly so far -- a little TOO smoothly...

Suggestions? Can I get a fish yet? :smile:

9balliw · Nov 8, 2013

Looks like a good start. A few cleanup crew wouldn't hurt if u get a fish or 2 don't get damsels they are cheap but will kill every thing u like.

glb · Nov 8, 2013

Sounds like you're off to a great start! I'd say if the ammonia and nitrites have steadily been zero you could add a fish or two. Nitrates at 20ppm won't hurt fish. Maybe a pair of clownfish?